Rootkit Security Vendor Snapped Up by Microsoft

By Becky Nagel

03/21/2008

Microsoft is on abuyingspree, and its latest acquisition is rootkit security vendor Komoku. Terms of the deal, announced on Wednesday, were not disclosed.

According to a press release posted on Komoku's site Wednesday, Microsoft purchased the Maryland-based company with the goal of integrating Komoku's rootkit security detection solutions into Forefront and Windows Live OneCare.

The release highlighted U.S. government agencies that use Komoku's technology, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Navy.

"Komoku has been a leader in the area of rootkit detection," commented Microsoft's General Manager of Access and Security Ryan Hamlin in the release. "[Its] cutting-edge expertise and technology will benefit our customers by adding to the robust protection of our anti-malware solutions and help maintain our leading position in anti-malware research and development."

"I'm excited about the Komoku team joining Microsoft and building on our successes in detecting sophisticated rootkits for customers,"said Komoku President and CTO William A. Arbaugh in the same release.

With the acquisition, the Komoku brand and current product line will be discontinued. A "majority" of Komoku's staff is expected to join Microsoft, the companies said.